Gasparilla

Gasparilla Pirate Fest held in Tampa Bay is a historic pirate themed festival which features the Gasparilla Invasion, Invasion Brunch, Parade of the Pirates and Pirate Street Fest.

Location - Tampa

Time of Year - Usually Late January

Florida State Fair

There are rides and exhibits galore while other venues during the Fair include the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, which has horse races and other equestrian events, Cracker Country, which demonstrates life in frontier Florida and exhibitions from most of the counties of Florida. There are various agricultural and other state organizations in the large Expo Hall.

Location - Florida State Fairgrounds near Tampa

Time of Year - Usually February

Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile NASCAR race held every year at the Daytona International Speedway. Finding a hotel will be a nightmare, so book early!

Location - Daytona

Time of Year - Usually last week of February

Daytona Bike Week

Bike Week attracts motorcycle enthusiasts of all types, from all over the country and indeed the world. This event is not recommended for children and can be extremely dangerous. There are usually a couple of deaths each year. Finding a hotel will be a nightmare, so book early!

Location - Daytona Beach

Time of Year - Beginning of March

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is an IndyCar Series race held in St. Petersburg. A section of downtown St. Pete's is converted into a racetrack, including Whitted Airport. Be warned, race week is a time to avoid tourist trips downtown.

Location - Downtown St. Petersburg

Time of Year - Usually first full week of March

Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival has lots to entertain everyone, including fair rides, baby pig races, vendor booths, live music, the crowning of the Strawberry Festival Queen and of course strawberries. There is also the chance to see concerts by big name bands, however they do generally cost an additional entry fee.

Location - Plant City

Time of Year - Usually March

John Levique Pirate Days

The gorgeous beach town of Madeira Beach turns into a pirate's hide out with the John Levique Pirate Days. This 3-day event honours the discovery and founding of Madeira Beach by John Levique who was a self-proclaimed pirate who discovered his beloved Treasure Island was split in two after a Hurricane in 1848.

Location - John's Pass, Madeira Beach

Time of Year - Usually May or June

Fantasy Fest

This is a hell of a crazy party and is not for children. Basically, it's a big street party with a parade and lots of events which includes a drag queen contest. There are lots of crazy costumes and basically lots of partial nudity and body painting. And there is always lots of alcohol.

Location - Key West

Time of Year - Usually last week of October

SPIFFS

SPIFFS is an international folk fair located in St. Petersburg and is the only of its kind in the United States. There is a parade, live performances, and vendors and food from different countries. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a great experience.

Location - St. Petersburg

Time of Year - Usually first week in November

Winterfest Boat Parade

Fully decorated boats of all sizes is a can't miss extravaganza. With over a million viewers along the 12-mile parade route, the parade where the floats really float is a Fort Lauderdale institution.

Location - Fort Lauderdale

Time of Year - December

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